Sahyadri Hospitals Successfully Treats Rare Spinal Tuberculosis In 13-Year-Old, Restores Full Mobility

Sahyadri Hospitals has successfully treated a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with Pott's Spine, a rare and severe form of spinal tuberculosis. 

In a press statement on Friday, the healthcare provider informed that under the care of Dr. Rajesh Parasnis, Spine Surgeon at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, the patient has made a full recovery just 15 days after undergoing surgery for paraplegia.

The young girl initially suffered from progressive back pain for two months. Despite starting anti-tubercular therapy at a government hospital, her condition worsened, and she eventually developed paraplegia, losing the ability to move her lower limbs. Upon her arrival at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Dr. Parasnis and his team conducted a thorough evaluation, confirming the diagnosis through MRI and an open biopsy during surgery.

Pott’s Spine, a lesser-known form of tuberculosis, often follows pulmonary TB and can cause paralysis if not treated promptly. Recognising the urgency, Dr. Parasnis performed a complex surgery involving dorsal decompression, debridement, and pedicle screw fixation, with the goal of relieving spinal cord pressure and stabilizing the spine.

The surgery, aided by advanced technologies like O-arm Navigation and intra-operative neuro-monitoring, was successful. Within three days, the patient began post-operative physiotherapy and regained mobility. By the fifteenth day, she was walking independently, and a month later, her neurological function had been fully restored.

Dr. Parasnis emphasised the importance of early intervention in such cases, saying, “The timely surgical decision and multidisciplinary approach, including continuous antibiotic therapy and advanced medical technology, were key to this young patient’s full recovery.”